Melt infiltration wick attachment

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for providing molten metal infiltration into a component is provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/801,934, filed 15 Mar. 2013, the disclosure ofwhich is now expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to ceramic matrix composites,and more specifically to melt infiltration.

BACKGROUND

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) are materials that include ceramicfibers embedded in a ceramic matrix. CMCs typically exhibit desirablemechanical, chemical and physical properties at high temperatures. Forexample, CMCs are typically more resistant to oxidation at hightemperatures than are metals. CMCs are generally tougher than monolithicceramics and exhibit damage tolerance. Accordingly, CMCs are suitablefor a number of high temperature applications, such as for example andwithout limitation use in producing components of gas turbine engines.Gas turbine engines illustratively are used to power aircraft,watercraft, power generators, and the like. CMC componentsillustratively may operate at much higher temperatures than othercomponents, including for example superalloy metal components.

The manufacture of CMCs typically includes introducing a melt infiltrantto the ceramic matrix or composite body. Infiltration may beaccomplished through a wick. The wick typically is disposed between thesource of the infiltrant and the composite body on a generally flatsurface.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited inthe appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in anycombination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

An illustrative wick attachment comprising: a wick; a component; and aweld material is provided wherein the wick and the component areattached together using the weld material. Suitable weld materialsinclude for example and without limitation Si/Zr, Si, Zr/Si, ZrB₂ andTiB₂.

The weld materials may be used with suitable infiltrants including forexample and without limitation silicon, Si/C/B, Zr/Si, Zr and Ti/6AI/4V.Illustratively, the melting point of the weld material will be higherthan the melting point of the infiltrant.

The illustrative wick attachment may comprise a spot weld or acontinuous weld using any suitable welding material. Multiple wicks maybe attached with one or more components.

According to another aspect of the invention, an illustrative method ofinfiltrating a material into a component is provided. The illustrativemethod comprises the steps of providing a wick; providing a component influid communication with the wick; and coupling together the wick andthe component. The coupling may be accomplished by welding.

Illustratively, any suitable weld materials may be used including forexample and without limitation Si/Zr, Si, Zr/Si, ZrB₂ and TiB₂.

Illustratively, the welding may be accomplished using any suitablewelding process including for example and without limitation GasTungsten Arc Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas, Gas Metal Arc Welding, MetalInert Gas, resistance welding, laser welding, e-beam welding, localmetal casting or a range of plasma spray and cold metal spray processes

An illustrative infiltration apparatus may comprise or be adapted toinclude a material having a melting point. The material, may be forexample an infiltrant. The apparatus may further include a secondmaterial, which may serve as a barrier. The barrier illustratively has amelting point that is illustratively higher than the melting point of aninfiltrant. The apparatus may further comprise an article of manufacturesuch as a component. Included in the illustrative embodiment is a wickin communication with the component. The wick is also illustratively incommunication with the infiltrant. The wick is also illustratively incommunication with the infiltrant. Illustratively the wick is attachedor coupled to the component by a weld. The weld may be a spot weld or acontinuous weld. The component may comprise a ceramic matrix composite.

In some embodiments, the infiltrant may be received by a melt reservoirsuch as for example a crucible.

In another aspect, a method of infiltrating a material into a componentis disclosed. The illustrative method may comprise the step of providinga wick in fluid communication with a porous component. The wick and thecomponent may be coupled together, for example as by welding. Thecomponent may comprise a ceramic matrix composite.

In one aspect, the method may include providing an infiltrant sourcehaving an infiltrant material therein. Illustratively, the method mayinclude infusing the infiltrant into the component by introducing theinfiltrant into and through the wick. The method may include providing abarrier. The barrier illustratively may be disposed between theinfiltrant and the component. Illustratively the barrier has a meltingpoint that is higher than the melting point of the infiltrant. Raisingthe temperature of beyond the melting point of the barrier allows theinfiltrant to flow through the wick to the component. The methodincludes choosing the barrier to control the parameters of theinfiltration. For example, the time of infiltration and/or thetemperature may be controlled. The component may comprise a ceramicmatrix composite.

In another illustrative aspect of the disclosure, disclosed is aninfiltration apparatus comprising: an infiltrant source havingspaced-apart side walls defining a infiltrant well including a dischargeconduit, the infiltrant well adapted to receive therein an infiltranthaving a first melting point; a component; and means for controllingfluid communications between the infiltrant source and the component.The means illustratively may comprise one or more wicks in fluidcommunication with the component. The one or more wicks may be coupledtogether with the component, as for example by welding. The componentmay comprise a ceramic matrix composite.

Illustratively, the apparatus and methods provide the ability to controlmolten metal contact time with the composite body resulting in limiteddegradation of the composite body. Also, improved uniformity of themicrostructure resulting from the reaction of infiltrant and elements inthe composite body may be realized.

The method and apparatus illustratively provide for improved componentinfiltration leading to higher density, higher proportional limit andlonger component life.

The method and apparatus illustratively provide the ability to controlmolten metal contact time with the composite body resulting in limiteddegradation of the composite body.

The method and apparatus illustratively provide for improved uniformityof the microstructure resulting from the reaction of infiltrant andelements in the composite body.

Illustratively, improved ability to monitor the process if coupled withthermal imaging or other technique because a major change will happenonce the barrier is breached and Si begins to flow. This will supportaccurate process timing to produce more consistent components.

These and other features of the present disclosure will become moreapparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of another illustrative melttransfer system; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the welds of the illustrative melttransfer system of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thedisclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrativeembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same.

Referring to the Figures an illustrative apparatus 10 and method forcontrolling melt transfer related to the manufacture of a ceramic matrixcomposite (CMC) and/or metal matrix composite is depicted and disclosed.For example, the illustrative apparatus may temporarily restrict theflow of molten metal or molten metalloid to a ceramic (CMC) or metalmatrix composite 30.

Illustratively, referring to the Figures, illustrative embodiments aredepicted. As shown in FIG. 1, an illustrative apparatus for practicing amethod of manufacturing a CMC or metal matrix composite, for example acomponent is shown. The illustrative apparatus generally comprises aninfiltrant source or vessel 20, which illustratively may comprise acrucible 20, a transport conduit 26, which illustratively may comprise awick 26, and an article of manufacture 30, which illustratively maycomprise a component 30 or a composite 30 as depicted diagrammaticallyin the Figures. Illustratively, the component 30 is a porous body 30.The crucible 20 illustratively includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 23 that define an infiltrant well 25 therebetween. The well 25 isconfigured to receive therein a first material or infiltrant 12. Definedin the bottom of the crucible 20 is a discharge conduit 24 or drain 24in fluid communication with the well 25 and the wick 26 andillustratively disposed therebetween. It should be understood thatinfiltrant 12 may be deposited in the well 25 for melting, may be meltedelsewhere and deposited in the well in molten form, or may be meltedelsewhere and deposited in the wick directly or locally. For example andwithout limitation, the crucible 20 could be bypassed, or even dispensedwith completely if desired, in the illustrative embodiments of FIG. 2-3as will be further explained. In such a case, the infiltrant source 20will be any suitable delivery device other than the crucible.

The apparatus 10 illustratively is supported or carried by a suitablesupport structure such as for example and without limitation base plate28 or other suitable support structure. It will be appreciated that acombination of support structures may also be used as depicted forexample in FIGS. 5-9. While the illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS.5-9 each uses an illustrative base plate 28 (e.g., FIGS. 5, 5A, 7, 8 and9) to support the component(s) 30, 30A, they each illustratively alsouse the component 30 as the support for the infiltrant 12, for examplein the crucible 20. Further illustratively, FIG. 6 shows an illustrativeembodiment where a base plate 28 supports the component 30 and anelevated pedestal 32 support structure to support the crucible 20 andthe wick 26. As best seen in FIG. 1, illustratively, the higher meltingtemperature plug or barrier 14 is received within the drain or discharge24 of the crucible or infiltrant source 20 holding the infiltratingmetal or infiltrant 12. Illustratively, barrier 14 could be a highpurity metal where infiltrant 12 is an alloy with a lower meltingtemperature than the barrier. The differential in melting points may betailored to achieve the desired result. The plug 14 may be machined andfit into the crucible with adhesive. The plug may also be cast into thecrucible. If there are thermal stresses between the plug and thecrucible they may be used to improve the seal or the angle between thecrucible and the plug and may be tailored to minimize or eliminate anystresses. When the plug 14 reaches its melting point it mixes with theinfiltrant 12 and allows the infiltrant 12 to flow into the wick 26 andsubsequently the composite body. Thus, the melting of the plug 14 opensdrain 24 to provide fluid communication between the infiltrant well 25and the wick 26.

As best seen in FIG. 2, an illustrative apparatus for and method ofinfiltration is shown wherein the wick 26 is filled with the highermelting temperature or temporary dissolving barrier 14 material placedbetween the infiltrant source or crucible 20 and the component 30. Thebarrier 14 could be directly under the crucible.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for and method of infiltrationwhere the higher melting temperature or temporary dissolving barrier 14material is applied to the composite body or component 30 and makescontact with the wick 26.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary apparatus for and method ofinfiltration where the higher melting temperature or temporarydissolving barrier 14 material is applied to the composite body orcomponent 30 and makes contact with a wick 26 having multiple branchesor prongs 26, 26A, 26B.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method employing a sheet of the higher meltingtemperature or temporary dissolving barrier material 14 placed under thecrucible or infiltrant source 20. In addition, FIG. 4 shows in phantomadditional wick prongs or branches 26A, 26B. These additional branches26A, 26B illustratively operate in the same manner as the main wick 26in that they allow the infiltrant to flow into the component when thebarrier 14 dissolves. It will be appreciated, however, that in anillustrative embodiment wherein the branches 26A, 26B are in a directline in fluid communications between the component and the infiltrantsource, the infiltrant 12 could be directed to the component 30 atdifferent times and temperatures. For example, referring to FIG. 6, adissolving barrier (not shown) could be disposed over the top of thecomponent 30, which would allow infiltrant moving through branch wicks26A and 26B to infiltrate prior to the infiltrant moving through thewick 26 at the top that must first melt or dissolve the barrier.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary apparatus for and method ofinfiltration 10 where the infiltrant source 20 is supported directly onthe component 30 with the higher melting temperature or temporarydissolving barrier 14 material is applied across and in contact with theentire width of the wick 26, which is disposed across the entire widthof the top of the composite body or component 30. It will be appreciatedthat the wick 26 could be omitted.

The remaining FIGS. 5A through 10 depict illustrative embodiments 10showing alternative wick arrangements and connections. While the barrier14 is not shown in these Figs., these illustrative embodiments may allbe adapted for use with the apparatus and method 10 disclosed herein. Inaddition, with respect to the continuous weld 29 of FIG. 3A, it could bea third material with yet a higher melting point relative to theinfiltrant 12, such that it could be used in conjunction with or in lieuof a barrier 14.

It will also be appreciated that any combination of the foregoingbarrier 14 placements and wicks 26, 26A-F shown in the Figs. could beused to control the infiltration as desired. Also, multiple barriers 14could be used in a single apparatus 10. In addition, any suitableinfiltrant and barrier material and combinations thereof may be used.Some non-exhaustive examples of illustrative infiltrants 12 and highermelting point metal or dissolving barrier 14 are listed below along withsome illustrative melting points. This list is illustrative only and notall inclusive.

Infiltrant Barrier Pure Si Tmelt 1410° C. Si/Zr alloy where Tmelt is1430° C. Si/C/B alloy Tmelt 1395° C. Pure Si Tmelt 1410° C. Pure SiTmelt 1410° C. Pure silicon wafer coated with 1 μm of SiC that dissolvesin molten Si Zr/Si eutectic Zr/Si alloy with Tmelt 40° C. higher Pure ZrZrB₂ Ti/6Al/4V Pure Ti

In illustrative operation, a material such as for example an alloy 14with a higher melting temperature or a material that requires time incontact with the molten metal to dissolve into solution is employedbetween the component 30 and the infiltrating metal or metalloidinfiltrant 12. This ensures that the component 30 to be infiltrated isuniformly above the melting point of the infiltrant 12. Illustratively,this process and apparatus 10 may be used for reactive melt infiltrationprocesses wherein the reaction may restrict liquid flow so if a portionof the component is below the melting point local freezing of the metalmay delay infiltration and during the delay the reaction may createrestrictions to the infiltration that would proceed once the requiredtemperature is achieved. Some further illustrative examples follow.

EXAMPLE 1 SiC/SiC CMC

In an illustrative example, a Hi-Nicalon preform is constructed at 36%fiber volume and assembled in tooling for Chemical Vapor Infiltration(CVI). A boron nitride (BN) interface coating is applied at 0.5 μm. Asilicon-carbide (SiC) coating of about 2 μm is applied by CVI. The CMCmatrix is completed through slurry and melt infiltration 10. The slurrycontains elements that react with the silicon to form ceramiccompositions. Illustratively, the melt infiltration process is performedusing a graphite crucible 20 or other suitable infiltrant source to holdan alloy of for example Si/C/B. As best seen in FIG. 1, an illustrativebarrier 14 comprising a plug of pure silicon (Si) is cast or otherwisedisposed into a hole, drain or discharge 24 in the bottom of theinfiltrant source or crucible 20. The crucible 20 is placed on top of anillustrative carbon fiber wick 26 that illustratively is bonded to thepreform or composite body 30. Illustratively, the component 30 may befor example and without limitation a preform for a nozzle guide vane fora turbine engine produced from a silicon carbide fiber. The entireassembly or apparatus 10 is heated in a vacuum furnace to a temperatureof about 1470° C. and held for about one (1) hour then cooled to roomtemperature. The resulting composite has uniform infiltration andmicrostructure. The melt infiltration process is performed at a pressureof about 0.1 torr and a temperature between about 1400° C. and about1500° C. using Si that is at least approximately 99% pure.

EXAMPLE 2 C/SiC CMC

In another illustrative example, a T-300 carbon fiber preform isconstructed at 36% fiber volume and assembled in tooling for ChemicalVapor Infiltration (CVI). A pyrocarbon interface coating is applied at0.5 μm. A SiC coating of 8 μm is applied by CVI. The CMC matrix orcomponent 30 is completed through slurry and melt infiltration using theillustrative method and apparatus 10. The slurry contains elements thatreact with the silicon to form ceramic compositions. The meltinfiltration process is performed by applying a Zr/Si alloy to a carbonwick 26. Referring to FIG. 3, the center of the wick 14 has been castacross the entire width of the component 30, which may be for example acomponent for use in a gas turbine engine, with a rectangle of pure Zr.The entire assembly or apparatus 10 is heated in a vacuum furnace to atemperature of 1570° C. The Zr dissolves into the melt and slightlychanges the composition. The furnace is held at temperature for one (1)hour then cooled to room temperature. The resulting composite hasuniform infiltration and microstructure. Illustratively, a CMC may bemade with pre-coated fiber (aka “prepreg” process).

It will be appreciated that the ability to control the infiltrationprocess as described and claimed herein illustratively results in a CMCcomponent 30 that demonstrates improved mechanical performance. Furtherillustratively, the apparatus and method 10 may produce a CMC component30 with a longer operational life, a reduced weight, and at a lowercost.

Turning more particularly to the wick 26, illustratively wicks may bemade from materials made from carbon fiber or ceramic fiber woven ornon-woven textiles. The wicks 26 may also be porous carbon or ceramicfoam or similar materials. In the illustrative method and apparatus 10,the wick 26 illustratively is coupled or connected to the compositecomponent 30 prior to the melt infiltration process. For example andwithout limitation, the wick 26 and the component 30 may be weldedtogether using any suitable materials and methods of welding.Illustratively, the wick 26 and the component 30 may be welded togetherfor example and without limitation by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW,also known as TIG for Tungsten Inert Gas), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAWalso known as MIG for Metal Inert Gas), resistance welding, laserwelding, e-beam welding, local metal casting or a range of plasma sprayor cold metal spray processes. If the welding process involves hightemperatures it will usually be preferred to conduct the casting orwelding process in an inert environment to prevent unintended oxidationof the wick 26 and/or the composite component 30.

Illustratively, the wick 26 may be attached to or coupled with the edgeor surface of the part 30. Multiple wicks 26, 26A-F may be attached withthis method 10. Illustratively, the textile forming the wick 26 mayconsist of multiple layers of fibrous or porous materials.

The material used to attach the wick may 26 be the same as theinfiltrating metal or infiltrant 12, a similar composition with a highermelting temperature or a totally different material that is compatiblewith the material system. The weld may be localized 27 as in for examplea spot weld, or it may be a continuous weld 29 that runs the entire areaof the wick. Illustratively, when the weld material is different fromthe infiltrant 12 and is not wet or dissolved by the infiltrating metalthen the localized method is preferred. The localized method should bedone in such a way that contact between the wick 26 and the compositecomponent 30 is well managed. For example and without limitation, thismay be accomplished by folding the wick 26 over the welded area andlater restraining it in the melt infiltration setup or by other means.When the weld material is not compatible with the final component thewick 26 may for example be attached in an area or areas that will beremoved after processing.

Some non-exhaustive examples of illustrative infiltrants 12 and suitableand perhaps higher melting point metal or dissolving weld or castingmaterial are listed below along with some illustrative melting points.This list is illustrative only and not all inclusive:

Infiltrant Weld/Casting Material Pure Si Tmelt 1410° C. Si/Zr alloywhere Tmelt is 1470° C. Si/C/B alloy Tmelt 1375° C. Pure Si Tmelt 1410°C. Zr/Si eutectic Zr/Si alloy with Tmelt 40° C. higher Pure Zr ZrB₂Ti/6Al/4V TiB₂ Aluminum Pure Si

EXAMPLE 3 SiC/SiC CMC

Adding to Example 1 above, an illustrative wick 26 is made of carbonfabric and is welded to two surfaces of the component 30 with purezirconium in 30% of the contact area. The wicks 26 illustratively areplaced into a crucible of pure Si chunks. The entire assembly 10 isheated in a vacuum furnace to a temperature of 1420° C. and held for 1hour then cooled to room temperature.

EXAMPLE 4 C/SiC CMC

Adding to Example 2 above, an illustrative series of wicks 26, 26A-F areattached to the component 30 in a 0.5 m grid. The melt infiltrationprocess 10 is performed by placing the wicks into a crucible of Zr/Sialloy granules. The entire assembly 10 is heated in a vacuum furnace toa temperature of 1570° C. The furnace is held at temperature for 1 hourthen cooled to room temperature.

As seen in the Figures, it will be appreciated that the above examplesmay but need not include any of the control features offered by thebarrier 14. In addition, any number and configurations of wicks 26 maybe used as desired. Illustratively, they may allow infiltration at thetop, in the middle, on the sides, at the bottom and any combination ofthe above. Referring to FIG. 9, an illustrative infiltration network isshown having a radial configuration of wicks 26 extending radially fromthe infiltrant 12 outwardly to the component 30. The wicks 26 may bemade of different materials, be connected in different ways, and beattached to different portions of the apparatus 10 as desired. FIG. 10illustrates the spot welds 27 of FIG. 9.

Illustratively, the disclosed improved wick contact coupling orconnecting 27, 29 may lead to improved component infiltration leading tohigher density, higher proportional limit and longer component 30 life.The use of welding provides the ability to place a wick 26 or multiplewicks anywhere on a part or component 30. Multiple wicks 26illustratively may increase the infiltration rate, decreasinginfiltration time thereby reducing heat related degradation of thecomposite. Illustratively, the use of welded wick(s) provides theability to infiltrate large parts in reactive melt infiltrationprocesses 10 by supporting the attachment of multiple wicks.Illustratively, the ability to use wicks at chosen locations allows theprocess to overcome limits on infiltration distance in reactive meltinfiltration because another material otherwise may be formed that canhinder or completely block melt infiltration.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in theforegoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered asexemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described andthat all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of thedisclosure are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wick attachment comprising: a wick; acomponent; and a weld material; wherein the wick and the component areattached together using the weld material that is selected from thegroup of materials consisting of Si/Zr, Si, Zr/Si, ZrB₂ and TiB₂,wherein the weld material has a first melting point and the wick is forfluidly communicating an infiltrant haying a second melting point to thecomponent, and wherein the first melting point of the weld material ishigher than the second melting point of the infiltrant.
 2. The wickattachment of claim 1 further comprising an infiltrant source, whereinthe wick is in fluid communication with the infiltrant source and thecomponent, the component comprising a ceramic matrix composite.
 3. Thewick attachment of claim 1 wherein the attachment comprises a spot weld.4. The wick attachment of claim 1 wherein the attachment comprises acontinuous weld.
 5. The wick attachment of claim 1 wherein multipleattachments are used.
 6. The wick attachment of claim 1 furthercomprising multiple wicks.
 7. The wick attachment of claim 1 furthercomprising an infiltrant source adapted to receive the infiltrant,wherein the wick is in fluid communication with the infiltrant sourceand the component and wherein the infiltrant is selected from the groupof materials consisting of silicon, Si/C/B, Zr/Si, Zr and Ti/6Al/4V. 8.The wick attachment of claim 1 further comprising an infiltrant sourceadapted to receive the infiltrant, wherein the wick is in fluidcommunication with the infiltrant source and the component and whereinthe infiltrant is selected from the group of materials consisting ofsilicon, and Si/C/B.
 9. The wick attachment of claim 1 furthercomprising an infiltrant source adapted to receive the infiltrant,wherein the wick is in fluid communication with the infiltrant sourceand the component and wherein the infiltrant comprises silicon.
 10. Amethod of infiltrating a material into a component, the methodcomprising the steps of providing a wick; providing a component;coupling together the component and the wick in fluid communication withone another, wherein the wick and the component are attached togetherusing a weld material that is selected from the group of materialsconsisting of Si/Zr, Si, Zr/Si, ZrB₂ and TiB₂, wherein the weld materialhas a first melting point and the wick is for fluidly communicating aninfiltrant having a second melting point to the component, and whereinthe first melting point of the weld material is higher than the secondmelting point of the infiltrant.
 11. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising the step of providing an infiltrant source having theinfiltrant contained therein, the wick and the infiltrant being in fluidcommunication with one another, and wherein the coupling step compriseswelding together the wick and the component, the component comprising aceramic matrix composite.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the weldingstep comprises accomplishing the process selected from the groupconsisting of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas, Gas MetalArc Welding, Metal Inert Gas, resistance welding, laser welding, e-beamwelding, local metal casting or a range of plasma spray and cold metalspray processes.
 13. A wick attachment comprising: a wick; a component;and a weld material; wherein the wick and the component are attachedtogether using the weld material that is selected from the group ofmaterials consisting of Si/Zr, Si, and Zr/Si, wherein the weld materialhas a first melting point and the wick is for fluidly communicating aninfiltrant having a second melting point to the component, and whereinthe first melting point of the weld material is higher than the secondmelting point of the infiltrant.
 14. The wick attachment of claim 13further comprising an infiltrant source adapted to receive theinfiltrant, wherein the wick is in fluid communication with theinfiltrant source and the component and wherein the infiltrant isselected from the group of materials consisting of silicon, and Si/C/B.15. The wick attachment of claim 13 further comprising an infiltrantsource adapted to receive the infiltrant, wherein the wick is in fluidcommunication with the infiltrant source and the component and whereinthe infiltrant comprises silicon.
 16. The wick attachment of claim 13further comprising an infiltrant source, wherein the wick is in fluidcommunication with the infiltrant source and the component, thecomponent comprising a ceramic matrix composite.
 17. The wick attachmentof claim 13 wherein the attachment comprises a spot weld.
 18. The wickattachment of claim 13 wherein the attachment comprises a continuousweld.
 19. The wick attachment of claim 13 wherein multiple attachmentsare used.
 20. The wick attachment of claim 13 further comprisingmultiple wicks.